8/3-5: NM Legislative Redistricting Committee to Meet in Pueblo of Acoma, Gallup and Farmington

The Legislative Redistricting Committee has scheduled public meetings at locations throughout the state in order to encourage public accessibility and input on the upcoming redistricting plan. The committee will recommend new boundaries for the congressional districts within New Mexico, the state House of Representatives and Senate districts, the Public Regulation Commission districts, and the Public Education Commission districts. Recommendations will be based on the 2010 decennial census, the redistricting guidelines adopted by the New Mexico legislative council, and testimony received from interested individuals and groups. The hearings will include sharing of information about the legal requirements of the redistricting process, sample maps and time for public comment.

Representative Mary Helen Garcia (D–Dona Ana–34) and Senator Linda M. Lopez (D–Bernalillo–11) co-chair the committee.

The upcoming meeting takes place over three days, August 3–5, in Pueblo of Acoma, Gallup and Farmington. Work begins on Wednesday, August 3, in the Piñon room of the Sky City Casino at the Pueblo of Acoma. On Thursday, August 4, the meeting moves to Calvin Hall on the University of New Mexico Branch Campus in Gallup, and on Friday, August 5, the meeting will be held in room 9008 of San Juan College in Farmington. Two more multi-day meetings are scheduled in August around the state in preparation for the special session of the legislature that begins in September.

The committee recognizes the importance of redistricting in a democracy. Members and legislative staff are working to ensure that every citizen is represented and that the process is visible and open for public input. Representative Garcia encourages all interested New Mexicans to take an active interest in the redistricting process. “The job of the Redistricting Committee is to develop a variety of plans that are in line with the legal principles that govern redistricting. We look forward to sharing the information we’ve gathered and hearing from all concerned,” said Representative Garcia.

The committee welcomes and encourages public attendance and input. Time for public comment will be allowed each day. For more information and the most current committee agendas and calendars, please click here.